Whether the enclosed order was necessary or not-and in those days of almost unrestricted expenditure on elections, it was probably most helpful-Benjamin Hall was duly elected M.P. in the Whig interest, for Totnes in Devon, and held the seat until 1812. It has been said that Benjamin Hall was persuaded by Richard Crawshay to give up the law on his marriage, but as he was a special Pleader of the Oxford Circuit at the Brecon and Gloucester Sessions in 1805, and retained his Chambers in Lincoln's Inn until his removal to Upper Brook Street in 1812, it appears probable he gradually let his practice lapse after his election to Parliament, and abandoned it altogether after the death of Richard Crawshay. In 1808, the last of the Glover family of Birmingham, who had become owners of the Ironworks at Abercarn, Monmouthshire, about 1782, agreed to sell the freehold of the Abercarn estate to Richard Crawshay. In spite of many difficulties and disputes, the sale was completed and Richard Crawshay handed the estate over to Benjamin Hall, who made his home there. The Hall's third son, Henry was born and died in 1809. Their fourth son, Henry Grant Hall, who took his second name from his father's cousin, Thomas Grant of Portman Square, was born on 30th January, 1810. Five months later, on 27th June, Richard Crawshay died, and the poor farmer's son of fifty years previously was buried in Llandaff Cathedral with a splendid funeral, leaving a fortune of a million and a half pounds. If proof were needed of his affection for and belief in his son-in-law, it is provided in the terms of his will, for he made Benjamin Hall II sole executor and residuary legatee, explaining to his son William 'who never would follow my advice' that 'instead of making him my executor and residuary legatee (as till this day he was) I give him one hundred thousand pounds'. He also left William a major share in the profitable London House at George Yard. Three-eights of the Cyfarthfa works were left to William, three-eights to Benjamin Hall, and two-eights to his nephew and manager, Joseph Bailey. The will was proved by Benjamin Hall on 26th July, 1810. As might be expected, the will caused friction between Hall and William Crawshay, who doubtless resented not having full power over the works. A year after the death of her father, Charlotte also lost her mother. On 29th May, 1812, the Hall's fifth son was born, and named Charles Ranken, after one of his father's friends. In this year also Benjamin Hall II lost his seat at Totnes, and was elected M.P. for Westbury. He also removed to 12, Upper Brook Street, which was to remain his London home until his death.1 The following year, Joseph Bailey left Cyfarthfa in January to settle at Nantyglo. William I bought his share in June 1814-it is said for £ 32,000 — and appointed his son William II as manager of the Cyfarthfa works. William I then began to bring pressure to bear upon Benjamin Hall to induce him to sell his interest in the works, but he rejected several offers. William I was annoyed; but William II was furious, and wanted to adopt direct measures. William I preferred a waiting 1 Boyle's Court Guide, and MS, Letters.